Guide to Homeschooling in Hawaii

Resources

Hawaii Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Before transitioning to homeschool, you must make sure you can abide by Hawaii’s homeschool laws. Luckily, Hawaii’s requirements are fairly straightforward and easy to follow. These requirements involve submitting a letter of intent to homeschool to your local public school principal, keeping records, submitting progress reports, and participating in standardized testing. Homeschoolers must also use a curriculum that meets certain criteria, including educational objectives and students’ interests.

If you are thinking about homeschooling your student, researching the laws and requirements will ensure that you meet all the guidelines. The Home School Legal Defense Association and Hawaii Department of Education are both great resources for more detailed information about legally homeschooling your student in Hawaii.

RECORD KEEPING

A successful homeschool education involves detailed record keeping, whether or not the state requires it. Although home educators in Hawaii are not required by law to submit their curriculum to the state, they must still keep a record of the curriculum used as well as dates of instruction, hours per week, subjects taught, and methods and materials used.

Power Homeschool’s online parent portal makes it easy to keep thorough records of all things home education. From attendance to practice problems and grades, everything can be monitored and downloaded from the easy-to-use app.

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HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN HAWAII

In addition to annual reports, Hawaii requires homeschoolers to participate in the Statewide Testing Program in grades three, five, eight, and ten. A parent can also arrange private testing of an equivalent standardized test at their expense. Although homeschoolers are only required to take standardized assessments in certain grades, a parent can use an annual, nationally normed test to demonstrate their student’s grade level achievement for the year.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN HAWAII

Homeschoolers are not eligible to earn a high school diploma issued by public school districts. They can, however, earn a high school equivalency credential or a Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma. To do this, homeschoolers must pass the General Educational Development (GED) or HiSEt tests.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Hawaii

When starting to homeschool for the first time, many parents often feel alone and question whether they can successfully homeschool their students. 

Luckily, homeschoolers have access to various support systems and networks of home educators. These groups not only help jump-start their homeschooling experience but also provide resources throughout each student’s homeschool journey. Homeschool associations are organizations that often provide legal advice, up-to-date homeschooling information, and other methods of guidance. Hawaii is fortunate enough to have two homeschool associations, the Hawaii Homeschool Association(HHA) and the Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii (CHOH).

In addition to associations, homeschoolers in Hawaii can join homeschool support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups come in many different forms, such as online forums and regular, in-person meetings. Some groups are faith-based, while others welcome individuals from all walks of life. Often, these groups will meet up for events, exchange advice and useful tips, and allow homeschool students to socialize.

In addition to support groups, co-ops offer an array of benefits. Homeschool co-ops are academic-focused groups that allow homeschoolers to engage in group learning. Often, parents will take turns providing instruction or choose to hire tutors to teach the group. Some co-ops focus on certain subjects, such as STEM, or build instruction around religious beliefs. With the array of options for homeschool support groups and co-ops, you are sure to find something that fits your family’s needs. Many of these groups have Facebook groups, making it easy to find local homeschool groups with a simple search query. The following are a few examples of the homeschool support groups and co-ops in Hawaii:

• • • Military Christian Homeschoolers of Oahu
    • Big Island Homeschoolers
    • Waianae Homeschool Ohana
    • Hawaii Homeschool Community
    • H.E.R.O (Home Educators Residing on Oahu)
    • Crewton Ramone’s House of Math

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

• Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park in Honaunau: The Pu’uhonua was once a refuge for individuals who had broken sacred laws, and to this day, is a sacred site. This historical park is the perfect field trip for homeschoolers to learn about the rich history and culture of Hawaii.
• Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo: Visitors can learn about planets and stars as well as how Polynesian voyagers used astronomy to navigate through land and water. Field trips are available for homeschool groups at discounted admission rates.
• Panaewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo: Students can explore more than 80 different animal species, including those native to Hawaii. This zoo is a great way for homeschoolers to learn about wildlife and conservation.

OAHU

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu: At this memorial, students will learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the pivotal moment in U.S. history when the nation entered World War II. Entrance to the visitor center and museums are free for all visitors.
• Iolani Palace in Honolulu: Visitors can tour the only palace in the country and learn about King Kalakaua, his rule over the Hawaiian Kingdom with his sister Queen Liliuokalani, and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy. This field trip destination will allow homeschoolers to witness firsthand the culture and history of the Hawaiian people.
• Hawaii State Art Museum in Honolulu: Located in the Hawaii Capitol District, this museum features pieces from local artists from across the state. A sculpture garden is also available for visitors to tour.

MAUI

• Maui Ocean Center in Wailuku: Founded to protect and advocate for Hawaii’s marine life, this aquarium is the perfect field trip for learning about the environment that surrounds the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors will see one of the largest collections of Pacific corals, an open ocean exhibit, and much more.
• Waianapanapa State Park in Hana: Learn about the geologic formations of Hawaii at the Waianapanapa State Park. Explore wildlife, the volcanic coastline, and caves at no cost.

KAUAI

• Kauai Museum in Lihue: This museum is a great way for students to learn about the cultural heritage of the indigenous and immigrant population. Guided tours and special events are also available for all visitors.
• Princeville Botanical Gardens in Princeville: Discover the beautiful landscape and flora native to the jungle on Kauai’s North Shore. Touring the gardens, visitors will see rare and endangered flowers, wild plant species, and much more!

MOLOKAI

• Kalaupapa National Historical Park in Kalaupapa: Established in 1980, this park aims to preserve the experience of individuals forced on the land due to disease. Learn about the peninsula’s history through guided tours and mule rides. Visitors will need a permit, and the closest camping facility is in Pala’au State Park.

LANAI

• Lanai Culture and Heritage Center in Lanai City: Learn about the island’s history, culture, and heritage by touring various exhibits and artifacts. Numerous educational programs and special events are also available throughout the year.